Crude oil futures rose above 117 dollars a barrel, today, as traders awaited word from the European Central Bank which could confirm speculation that the region's troubled economy was turning the corner. March Brent futures rose 55 cents, at 117.28 dollars per barrel, the highest level since mid- September. U.S. crude added 15 cents, to 96.77 dollars a barrel. Investors were waiting for European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's views on the region's economy at a news conference at 1330 hrs GMT following the body's policy meeting.